&nbsp;(AP) - Luis Robert hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning after Johnny Cueto’s impressive Chicago debut, and the White Sox defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-3 in the opener of a five-game series Monday.

 Yasmani Grandal also had a two-run shot for the White Sox, who squandered a 3-0 lead in the eighth. Robert connected off Scott Barlow with two outs, scoring the automatic runner as well.

The 36-year-old Cueto pitched six shutout innings in his first major league start this season after getting promoted from Triple-A Charlotte. The two-time All-Star allowed just two hits and two walks, striking out seven. Only one runner reached second base against him.

The Royals and White Sox play a doubleheader Tuesday. The first game is at 1:10, and the second at 6:10. Both games will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph Post&nbsp;(AP) - Luis Robert hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning after Johnny Cueto’s impressive Chicago debut, and the White Sox defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-3 in the opener of a five-game series Monday. Yasmani Grandal also had a two-run shot for the White Sox, who squandered a 3-0 lead in the eighth. Robert connected off Scott Barlow with two outs, scoring the automatic runner as well.The 36-year-old Cueto pitched six shutout innings in his first major league start this season after getting promoted from Triple-A Charlotte. The two-time All-Star allowed just two hits and two walks, striking out seven. Only one runner reached second base against him.The Royals and White Sox play a doubleheader Tuesday. The first game is at 1:10, and the second at 6:10. Both games will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

White Sox score go-ahead runs in the 10th, sneak past Royals in series opener Monday

PLATTSBURG - Junior Denton Biller struck out 12 batters in a complete game, senior Caiden Bailey hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning and No. 4 seed Mid-Buchanan (11-6) took advantage of six errors by the opposition in a 9-2 win over rival and No. 1 seed East Buchanan in the Class 2 District 15 semifinals at Perkins Park in Plattsburg Monday.

The Dragons, who downed North Platte in quarterfinals 10-3 Saturday, won their fourth straight game and avenged a 14-12 loss to the Bulldogs in last year's district title.

"Yeah I mean, East Buch is a rival," Biller said. "So, I've been looking forward to this game however long. Since last year. Since we lost."

Mid-Buchanan batted first and quickly went up 5-0 on a pair of hits, a couple free passes and three East Buchanan errors in the top of the first inning.

East Buchanan (15-4) got a run on the board in the bottom of the first, but the Bulldogs were held to just three hits on the day and were sat down 1-2-3 in five total innings.

"Fast ball was working good," Biller said. "Slider was pretty good and the defense was amazing behind me. That really helped a lot."

Caiden Bailey's big moment came in the top of the fourth. With runners on the corners and two outs, Bailey laced a 1-1 pitch deep to left field to firmly put the Dragons ahead 9-1.

"That's a good rival team," Bailey said of the win. "It's just a blessing to keep playing in the postseason and keep this thing rolling."

East Buchanan got a run back in the bottom of the fourth, but the Bulldogs didn't have a single baserunner in the game's final three innings.

Behind just one error in the field, Biller struck out 12 batters and walked only one. Junior Derek Sprague led the way offensively, going 2-for-3 with a pair of runs scored.

The Dragons now advance to the district championship, where they'll face No. 2 seed Plattsburg (25-8) on Wednesday at 5 p.m. The Tigers beat Bishop LeBlond 3-1 Monday in the second semifinal behind a 10-strikeout performance from Brock Steggall.

Mid-Buchanan, now one win away from its first district crown in baseball since 2017, beat Plattsburg in the regular season. It was 5-4 in 10 innings in late March. Coach Rod Elms knows - any win over a team in this stacked district won't come easy.

Even when his team was up comfortably Monday, he didn't breathe easy until the last out was recorded.

"Because (East Buchanan) is a very quality team, they've been here before and they know how to come back," he said. "As an old baseball guy, it's high school baseball, man. Things can happen really quick. So, our kids stayed focused. You heard me yelling, 'Stay focused, stay locked.'"

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652749304484.jpeg" alt="Junior Denton Biller struck out 12 batters in a complete game victory as Mid-Buchanan defeated East Buchanan 9-2 in Class 2 District 15 semifinals Monday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Junior Denton Biller struck out 12 batters in a complete game victory as Mid-Buchanan defeated East Buchanan 9-2 in Class 2 District 15 semifinals Monday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostPLATTSBURG - Junior Denton Biller struck out 12 batters in a complete game, senior Caiden Bailey hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning and No. 4 seed Mid-Buchanan (11-6) took advantage of six errors by the opposition in a 9-2 win over rival and No. 1 seed East Buchanan in the Class 2 District 15 semifinals at Perkins Park in Plattsburg Monday.The Dragons, who downed North Platte in quarterfinals 10-3 Saturday, won their fourth straight game and avenged a 14-12 loss to the Bulldogs in last year's district title."Yeah I mean, East Buch is a rival," Biller said. "So, I've been looking forward to this game however long. Since last year. Since we lost."Mid-Buchanan batted first and quickly went up 5-0 on a pair of hits, a couple free passes and three East Buchanan errors in the top of the first inning.East Buchanan (15-4) got a run on the board in the bottom of the first, but the Bulldogs were held to just three hits on the day and were sat down 1-2-3 in five total innings."Fast ball was working good," Biller said. "Slider was pretty good and the defense was amazing behind me. That really helped a lot."Caiden Bailey's big moment came in the top of the fourth. With runners on the corners and two outs, Bailey laced a 1-1 pitch deep to left field to firmly put the Dragons ahead 9-1."That's a good rival team," Bailey said of the win. "It's just a blessing to keep playing in the postseason and keep this thing rolling."East Buchanan got a run back in the bottom of the fourth, but the Bulldogs didn't have a single baserunner in the game's final three innings.Behind just one error in the field, Biller struck out 12 batters and walked only one. Junior Derek Sprague led the way offensively, going 2-for-3 with a pair of runs scored.The Dragons now advance to the district championship, where they'll face No. 2 seed Plattsburg (25-8) on Wednesday at 5 p.m. The Tigers beat Bishop LeBlond 3-1 Monday in the second semifinal behind a 10-strikeout performance from Brock Steggall.Mid-Buchanan, now one win away from its first district crown in baseball since 2017, beat Plattsburg in the regular season. It was 5-4 in 10 innings in late March. Coach Rod Elms knows - any win over a team in this stacked district won't come easy.Even when his team was up comfortably Monday, he didn't breathe easy until the last out was recorded."Because (East Buchanan) is a very quality team, they've been here before and they know how to come back," he said. "As an old baseball guy, it's high school baseball, man. Things can happen really quick. So, our kids stayed focused. You heard me yelling, 'Stay focused, stay locked.'"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652750872853.jpeg" alt="Caiden Bailey (4) celebrates after hitting a three-run home run in the fourth inning. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Caiden Bailey (4) celebrates after hitting a three-run home run in the fourth inning. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Biller strikes out 12, Bailey homers as Mid-Buchanan downs East Buchanan Monday

The Bishop LeBlond boys’ golf team is once again gearing up for a run at a state championship. It's almost routine at this point.

This marks the seventh straight season that the Eagles have qualified for state as a team, and they now seek their fourth consecutive state title and the&nbsp;fifth in the last six years.

Second-year head coach and former Missouri Western golfer Mitch Girres says he’s in awe of just how good this team has gotten all season.

"They're talented beyond their years,"&nbsp; Girres said. "It's fun to get to see them in their environment. They've all been playing together for so long. It's neat to see how they all root for each other."

 The Eagles were MEC Conference champions and won the Class 3 District 4 title in Kansas City last week by 21 strokes over Maryville.

The Eagles won state last season in Farmington by a whopping 46 strokes. Sophomore Tim Johnston finished 6th at state last year and is a district champion this year. He says he feels confident going into the tournament this week.

"Yeah I'm really excited," he said. "Obviously, after winning districts I've kind of been on a hot streak and I feel like my game is in a good plac and I'm feeling confident."

The Eagles are competing this week at the Sedalia Country Club - a course they played at on April 11, where they finished second at the Smith-Cotton Invitational.

"We played well when we were down there the first time," Girres recalled. "I think we shot a 301. We only lost to Jefferson City-Helias, which is a top Class 5 team. I think if we play well, we'll have an opportunity to go into Tuesday with a chance to win."

The Eagles have been atop the leaderboard for much of this season, including at districts, where LeBlond had four golfers finish in the top 10.

Johnston, won districts with his score of 71 and competes alongside twin brother Pat, says this journey back to state has been a full team effort.

"I feel like everyone on the team has contributed," he said. "They're all helping out. It's not like anyone is playing real bad. They're all shooting decent scores."

Not only have most of the golfers on LeBlond's team been playing the game since they were little, and been playing together for years, but their combined playing experience in postseason tournaments is pretty sizeable, even with the 2020 season being wiped out.

Girres is confident that this team's past experience at state will carry them through again this year.

"They've had that experience of playing in a state tournament," he said. "They know what it feels like, but every round is different. Every big moment is different. I'm sure there'll be some nerves, but hopefully they're able to overcome that."

All five LeBlond golfers who were at state last year finished in the top 20, led by Jeffrey Johnston, who tied for fourth. With the oldest Johnston now at Missouri Western, this year's team had to carry on without their best player.

Girres says it's been a matter of learning how to be consistent, and it seems like this team has, once again, figured it out.

"I think that's something these young guys have kind of started to figure out here later on in the season is being more consistent. Just kind of playing level as best they can and picking each other up any time they get an opportunity."

The Eagles tee off at 8 a.m. on both Monday and Tuesday. Live scores can <a href="https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/8439678015390141948">be followed here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652699494357.jpeg" alt="Bishop LeBlond took home the Class 3 District 4 title last week at Hodge Park Golf Course in Kansas City, qualifying them for state for a seventh straight year. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Bishop LeBlond took home the Class 3 District 4 title last week at Hodge Park Golf Course in Kansas City, qualifying them for state for a seventh straight year. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Bishop LeBlond boys’ golf team is once again gearing up for a run at a state championship. It's almost routine at this point.This marks the seventh straight season that the Eagles have qualified for state as a team, and they now seek their fourth consecutive state title and the&nbsp;fifth in the last six years.Second-year head coach and former Missouri Western golfer Mitch Girres says he’s in awe of just how good this team has gotten all season."They're talented beyond their years,"&nbsp; Girres said. "It's fun to get to see them in their environment. They've all been playing together for so long. It's neat to see how they all root for each other." The Eagles were MEC Conference champions and won the Class 3 District 4 title in Kansas City last week by 21 strokes over Maryville.The Eagles won state last season in Farmington by a whopping 46 strokes. Sophomore Tim Johnston finished 6th at state last year and is a district champion this year. He says he feels confident going into the tournament this week."Yeah I'm really excited," he said. "Obviously, after winning districts I've kind of been on a hot streak and I feel like my game is in a good plac and I'm feeling confident."The Eagles are competing this week at the Sedalia Country Club - a course they played at on April 11, where they finished second at the Smith-Cotton Invitational."We played well when we were down there the first time," Girres recalled. "I think we shot a 301. We only lost to Jefferson City-Helias, which is a top Class 5 team. I think if we play well, we'll have an opportunity to go into Tuesday with a chance to win."The Eagles have been atop the leaderboard for much of this season, including at districts, where LeBlond had four golfers finish in the top 10.Johnston, won districts with his score of 71 and competes alongside twin brother Pat, says this journey back to state has been a full team effort."I feel like everyone on the team has contributed," he said. "They're all helping out. It's not like anyone is playing real bad. They're all shooting decent scores."Not only have most of the golfers on LeBlond's team been playing the game since they were little, and been playing together for years, but their combined playing experience in postseason tournaments is pretty sizeable, even with the 2020 season being wiped out.Girres is confident that this team's past experience at state will carry them through again this year."They've had that experience of playing in a state tournament," he said. "They know what it feels like, but every round is different. Every big moment is different. I'm sure there'll be some nerves, but hopefully they're able to overcome that."All five LeBlond golfers who were at state last year finished in the top 20, led by Jeffrey Johnston, who tied for fourth. With the oldest Johnston now at Missouri Western, this year's team had to carry on without their best player.Girres says it's been a matter of learning how to be consistent, and it seems like this team has, once again, figured it out."I think that's something these young guys have kind of started to figure out here later on in the season is being more consistent. Just kind of playing level as best they can and picking each other up any time they get an opportunity."The Eagles tee off at 8 a.m. on both Monday and Tuesday. Live scores can <a href="https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/8439678015390141948">be followed here</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618457812868.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Bishop LeBlond golf seeking fourth consecutive state title this week at Sedalia

(AP) -&nbsp;Salvador Perez hit a go-ahead, two-run single in the ninth inning and the Kansas City Royals recovered from blowing a six-run lead to beat the Colorado Rockies 8-7 Sunday.

Bobby Witt Jr., Whit Merrifield and Emmanuel Rivera homered for the Royals, who took two of three from Colorado. The Rockies overcame a 6-0 deficit by scoring seven times in the seventh.

Andrew Benintendi drew a leadoff walk from Rockies closer Daniel Bard in the ninth and Ryan O’Hearn singled. A wild pitch and a one-out walk to Michael A. Taylor loaded the bases for Perez, who laced a single to left field.

The Royals now open a five-game set with the Chicago White Sox at home this week. Monday's game is set for 7:10. Coverage starts at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph. Brad Keller starts on the mound.

St. Joseph Post(AP) -&nbsp;Salvador Perez hit a go-ahead, two-run single in the ninth inning and the Kansas City Royals recovered from blowing a six-run lead to beat the Colorado Rockies 8-7 Sunday.Bobby Witt Jr., Whit Merrifield and Emmanuel Rivera homered for the Royals, who took two of three from Colorado. The Rockies overcame a 6-0 deficit by scoring seven times in the seventh.Andrew Benintendi drew a leadoff walk from Rockies closer Daniel Bard in the ninth and Ryan O’Hearn singled. A wild pitch and a one-out walk to Michael A. Taylor loaded the bases for Perez, who laced a single to left field.The Royals now open a five-game set with the Chicago White Sox at home this week. Monday's game is set for 7:10. Coverage starts at 6:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph. Brad Keller starts on the mound.

Salvador Perez gets go-ahead hit; Royals avoid losing big lead to Rockies Sunday

Class 1 and 2 sectional track was held at West Platte High School in Weston Saturday with multiple area athletes punching their ticket to the state meet in Jefferson City.

The top four finishers in each event move onto state. State track for Classes 1 and 2 comes up May 20-21.

In Class 1, St. Joseph's Joy Wallick is statebound in the 1600 meter run, while Christian's Jaci Jorgensen qualified in the triple jump. Stanberry senior and Mizzou signee Lexi Craig is headed back to state to compete in javelin.

On the boys' side in Class 1, West Nodaway's Riley Blay won the 800, 1600 and 3200 meter run, while Mound City's Tony Osburn took first in pole vault.

In Class 2 boys, Mid-Buchanan's Lane Leader qualified for state in the 100, 200 and 400 meter dash, while Bishop LeBlond's Hayden Cross qualified in both the 200 and 400.

Blake Hunter will represent Mid-Buchanan in long and triple jump, while East Buchanan's Trevor Klein won the triple jump event Saturday.

In Class 2 girls, Emma Klein won triple and long jump, while North Platte qualified four total relay teams for state. Full Class 1 and 2 sectional results for boys and girls are below.

Girls' 100 meter dash Mara Mitchell - Union Star (12.85) - 3rd

Girls' 200 meter dash Mara Mitchell - Union Star (26.65 seconds) - 3rd

Girls' 400 meter dash Gracie Hanshaw - DeKalb (1:01.22) - 1st Sadie Runde - Stanberry (1:01.96) - 2nd

Girls' 1600 meter run Jaclyn Riedinger - North Andrew (5:44.95) - 2nd Joy Wallick - St. Joseph Christian (5:49.78) - 3rd

Girls' 3200 meter run Olivia Prussman - South Holt (14:10.18) - 4th

Girls' 100 meter hurdles Lainie Vogan - DeKalb (17.17 seconds) - 4th

Girls' 4x100 meter relay Stanberry's Sadie Runde, Letah Angle, Amelia Wallace, Katlyn James (52.69 seconds) - 3rd King City's Victoria Swank, Clare Staley, Kaylee Roberts, Haylee Wright (52.88 seconds) - 4th

Girls' 4x200 meter relay Stanberry's&nbsp;Sadie Runde, Letah Angle, Marli Hilton, Amelia Wallace (1:48.61) - 1st King City's&nbsp;Victoria Swank, Clare Staley, Kaylee Roberts, Haylee Wright (1:52.54) - 4th

Girls' 4x400 meter relay Stanberry's Letah Angle, Lexi Craig, Marli Hilton, Sadie Runde (4:23.32) - 3rd DeKalb's Gracie Henshaw, Lainie Vogan, Kalyn Hartman, Carissa Martin (4:26.32) - 4th

Girls' 4x800 meter relay DeKalb's Kalyn Hartman, Harlie Hall, Macy Dittemore, Gracie Henshaw (10:52.04) - 4th

Girls' long jump Katlyn James - Stanberry (16 feet-0.5 inches) - 2nd

Girls' triple jump Jaci Jorgensen - St. Joseph Christian (33 feet-3.75 inches) - 3rd

Girls' pole vault Katlyn James - Stanberry (10 feet-10.25 inches) - 1st Ava Barnes - Mound City (9 feet-10.5 inches) - 2nd

Girls' discus Journey Lyons - Union Star (98 feet-7 inches) - 4th

Girls' javelin Lexi Craig - Stanberry (139 feet-2 inches) - 1st Journey Lyons - Union Star (123 feet-7 inches) - 3rd

Boys' 100 meter dash Ty Mooney - King City (11.48 seconds) - 4th

Boys' 200 meter dash Ben Messner - Stanberry (23.22 seconds) - 2nd

Boys' 400 meter dash Dawson Fast - West Nodaway (53.26 seconds) - 2nd Tristan Auxier - Osborn (53.94 seconds) - 3rd

Boys' 800 meter run Riley Blay - West Nodaway (2:02.56) - 1st Tyler Schwebach - Stanberry (2:03.67) - 2nd Keaton Zembles - Mound City (2:06.04) - 4th

Boys' 1600 meter run Riley Blay - West Nodaway (4:29.47) - 1st Keaton Zembles - Mound City (4:42.12) - 2nd

Boys' 3200 meter run Riley Blay - West Nodaway (9:53.78) - 1st

Boys' 110 meter hurdles Tanner Russo - North Andrew (17.42 seconds) - 4th

Boys' 4x100 meter relay King City's Corbin Taylor, Ty Mooney, Landon Wells, Parker Muff (44.53 seconds) - 1st

Boys' 4x200 meter relay King City's&nbsp;Corbin Taylor, Ty Mooney, Landon Wells, Parker Muff (1:33.94) - 2nd

Boys' 4x400 meter relay Stanberry's Colby McQuinn, Ben Messner, Brayden Hahn, Tyler Schwebach (3:39.10) - 3rd

Boys' 4x800 meter relay Stanberry's&nbsp;Colby McQuinn, Decker Heyde, Brayden Hahn, Tyler Schwebach (8:52.74) - 1st Mound City's Keaton Zembles, William Heck, Jadon Griffin, Quentin Livengood (8:59.37) - 3rd

Boys' high jump Levi Hittle - King City (6 feet-1.5 inches) - 1st Dawson Fast - West Nodaway (6 feet-0.75 inches) - 2nd

Boys' long jump Parker Muff - King City (20 feet-9.25 inches) - 1st Landon Wells - King City (20 feet-0.5 inches) - 4th

Boys' pole vault Tony Osburn - Mound City (12 feet-5.25 inches) - 1st William Rother - Mound City (10 feet-11.5 inches) - 2nd

Boys' shot put Hayden Elifrits - South Holt (51 feet-4.25 inches) - 2nd Austin Colvin - Stanberry (50 feet-7.5 inches) - 3rd

Boys' discus Austin Colvin - Stanberry (155 feet-5 inches) - 1st Hayden Elifrits - South Holt (131 feet-2 inches) - 2nd

Boys' javelin James Herr - West Nodaway (162 feet-9 inches) - 1st

Boys' 100 meter dash Lane Leader - Mid-Buchanan (11.01 seconds) - 1st

Boys' 200 meter dash Lane Leader - Mid-Buchanan (22.26 seconds) - 2nd Hayden Cross - Bishop LeBlond (22.40 seconds) - 3rd

Boys' 400 meter dash Hayden Cross - Bishop LeBlond (50.35 seconds) - 2nd Lane Leader - Mid-Buchanan (50.63 seconds) - 3rd Carson Stockdale - Plattsburg (50.75 seconds) - 4th

Boys' 1600 meter run Aidan Hensley - East Buchanan (4:36.95) - 3rd

Boys' 3200 meter run Noah Heckman - North Platte (10:28.51) - 2nd Aidan Hensley - East Buchanan (10:32.09) - 3rd

Boys' 4x100 meter relay Lathrop's Lucas Quinn, Mason Adwell, Matt Miller, Dylan Scanlan (44.46 seconds) - 2nd

Boys' 4x200 meter relay Plattsburg's Carson Stockdale, Jaden Houser, Samuel Lee, Luke Halsey (1:33.09) - 2nd

Boys' 4x400 meter relay Plattsburg's&nbsp;Carson Stockdale, Jaden Houser, Samuel Lee, Luke Halsey &nbsp;(3:34.31) - 3rd

Boys' 4x800 meter relay East Buchanan's Parker Conroy, Kyler Paxton, Carson White, Aiden Hensley (8:30.84) - 2nd

Boys' long jump Blake Hunter - Mid-Buchanan (21 feet-5.5 inches) - 2nd Dylan Scanlan - Lathrop (20 feet-8.5 inches) - 3rd

Boys' triple jump Trevor Klein - East Buchanan (44 feet-2.5 inches) - 1st Blake Hunter - Mid-Buchanan (43 feet-7.25 inches) - 2nd

Boys' pole vault Caden Israel - Maysville (12 feet-2.75 inches) - 1st

Boys' javelin Jackson Wahlgren - Mid-Buchanan (152 feet-5 inches) - 4th

Boys' shot put Liam Servaes - North Platte (44 feet-1.5 inches) - 4th

Girls' 100 meter dash Olivia Rogers - North Platte (12.33 seconds) - 1st Jordan Thornton - Mid-Buchanan (12.57 seconds) - 3rd

Girls' 200 meter dash Olivia Rogers - North Platte (25.36 seconds) - 1st&nbsp; Jordan Thornton - Mid-Buchanan (26.06 seconds) - 3rd Emma Klein - East Buchanan (26.20 seconds) - 4th

Girls' 400 meter dash Lindsey Ramsay - North Platte (58.90 seconds) - 1st Haley Sampson - North Platte (59.15 seconds) - 2nd

Girls' 800 meter run Gracie Ramsay - North Platte (2:29.39) - 1st

Girls' 3200 meter run Brianna DeBord - North Platte (13:10.72) - 3rd

Girls' 300 meter hurdles Mirabella Redman - Maysville (45.52 seconds) - 1st

Girls' 4x100 meter relay North Platte's Lonee French, Bella Kitmitto, Olivia Rogers, Haley Sampson (50.82 seconds) - 1st Plattsburg's Lynnlee Novich, Raegan Grass, Aliana Rawlings, Lia Graham (51.18 seconds) - 3rd East Buchanan's Alexis Helsel, Rilyn Sherwood, Kylie Clark, Emma Klein (51.56 seconds) - 4th

Girls' 4x200 meter relay North Platte's&nbsp;Haley Sampson, Olivia Rogers, Lindsey Ramsey, Jaylin Burgess (1:44.42) - 1st Plattsburg's&nbsp;Lia Graham, Aliana Rawlings, Raegan Grass, Lynnlee Novich (1:46.86) - 2nd Lathrop's Bailey White, Kaitlyn Morgan, Sierra Brassfield, Avery Patton (1:49.70) - 4th

Girls' 4x400 meter relay North Platte's&nbsp; Lindsey Ramsey, Bella Kitmitto, Haley Sampson, Kenedie Summers (4:09.23) - 1st Plattsburg's&nbsp;Lia Graham, Alice Nelson, Raegan Grass, Aliana Rawlings (4:19.11) - 3rd Lathrop's Keylie Beane, Annelise Kirkpatrick, Sierra Brassfield, Kyanne Seeley (4:20.31) - 4th

Girls' 4x800 meter relay North Platte's Shelby Lingle, Brianna DeBord, Jessa Cassity, Gracie Ramsey (10:13.94) - 3rd

Girls' high jump Annabelle Ball - Gallatin (4 feet-11.5 inches) - 1st Avery Patton - Lathrop (4 feet-10.5 inches) - 3rd

Girls' long jump Emma Klein - East Buchanan (17 feet-2.75 inches) - 1st

Girls' triple jump Emma Klein - East Buchanan (37 feet-5.25 inches) - 1st

Girls' pole vault Mirabella Redman - Maysville (10 feet-1.25 inches) - 2nd

Girls' discus&nbsp; Hannah Archdekin - East Buchanan (101 feet) - 2nd

Girls' javelin Kiah Huitt - Lathrop (123 feet-5 inches) - 1st

Girls' shot put Kinsley Patton - Lathrop (36 feet-0.75 inches) - 1st Ashley Brown - Maysville (35 feet-5.75 inches) - 2nd

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostClass 1 and 2 sectional track was held at West Platte High School in Weston Saturday with multiple area athletes punching their ticket to the state meet in Jefferson City.The top four finishers in each event move onto state. State track for Classes 1 and 2 comes up May 20-21.In Class 1, St. Joseph's Joy Wallick is statebound in the 1600 meter run, while Christian's Jaci Jorgensen qualified in the triple jump. Stanberry senior and Mizzou signee Lexi Craig is headed back to state to compete in javelin.On the boys' side in Class 1, West Nodaway's Riley Blay won the 800, 1600 and 3200 meter run, while Mound City's Tony Osburn took first in pole vault.In Class 2 boys, Mid-Buchanan's Lane Leader qualified for state in the 100, 200 and 400 meter dash, while Bishop LeBlond's Hayden Cross qualified in both the 200 and 400.Blake Hunter will represent Mid-Buchanan in long and triple jump, while East Buchanan's Trevor Klein won the triple jump event Saturday.In Class 2 girls, Emma Klein won triple and long jump, while North Platte qualified four total relay teams for state. Full Class 1 and 2 sectional results for boys and girls are below.CLASS 1 RESULTSGirls' 100 meter dash Mara Mitchell - Union Star (12.85) - 3rd Girls' 200 meter dash Mara Mitchell - Union Star (26.65 seconds) - 3rdGirls' 400 meter dash Gracie Hanshaw - DeKalb (1:01.22) - 1st Sadie Runde - Stanberry (1:01.96) - 2ndGirls' 1600 meter run Jaclyn Riedinger - North Andrew (5:44.95) - 2nd Joy Wallick - St. Joseph Christian (5:49.78) - 3rdGirls' 3200 meter run Olivia Prussman - South Holt (14:10.18) - 4thGirls' 100 meter hurdles Lainie Vogan - DeKalb (17.17 seconds) - 4thGirls' 4x100 meter relay Stanberry's Sadie Runde, Letah Angle, Amelia Wallace, Katlyn James (52.69 seconds) - 3rd King City's Victoria Swank, Clare Staley, Kaylee Roberts, Haylee Wright (52.88 seconds) - 4thGirls' 4x200 meter relay Stanberry's&nbsp;Sadie Runde, Letah Angle, Marli Hilton, Amelia Wallace (1:48.61) - 1st King City's&nbsp;Victoria Swank, Clare Staley, Kaylee Roberts, Haylee Wright (1:52.54) - 4thGirls' 4x400 meter relay Stanberry's Letah Angle, Lexi Craig, Marli Hilton, Sadie Runde (4:23.32) - 3rd DeKalb's Gracie Henshaw, Lainie Vogan, Kalyn Hartman, Carissa Martin (4:26.32) - 4thGirls' 4x800 meter relay DeKalb's Kalyn Hartman, Harlie Hall, Macy Dittemore, Gracie Henshaw (10:52.04) - 4thGirls' long jump Katlyn James - Stanberry (16 feet-0.5 inches) - 2ndGirls' triple jump Jaci Jorgensen - St. Joseph Christian (33 feet-3.75 inches) - 3rdGirls' pole vault Katlyn James - Stanberry (10 feet-10.25 inches) - 1st Ava Barnes - Mound City (9 feet-10.5 inches) - 2ndGirls' discus Journey Lyons - Union Star (98 feet-7 inches) - 4thGirls' javelin Lexi Craig - Stanberry (139 feet-2 inches) - 1st Journey Lyons - Union Star (123 feet-7 inches) - 3rdBoys' 100 meter dash Ty Mooney - King City (11.48 seconds) - 4thBoys' 200 meter dash Ben Messner - Stanberry (23.22 seconds) - 2ndBoys' 400 meter dash Dawson Fast - West Nodaway (53.26 seconds) - 2nd Tristan Auxier - Osborn (53.94 seconds) - 3rdBoys' 800 meter run Riley Blay - West Nodaway (2:02.56) - 1st Tyler Schwebach - Stanberry (2:03.67) - 2nd Keaton Zembles - Mound City (2:06.04) - 4thBoys' 1600 meter run Riley Blay - West Nodaway (4:29.47) - 1st Keaton Zembles - Mound City (4:42.12) - 2ndBoys' 3200 meter run Riley Blay - West Nodaway (9:53.78) - 1st Boys' 110 meter hurdles Tanner Russo - North Andrew (17.42 seconds) - 4thBoys' 4x100 meter relay King City's Corbin Taylor, Ty Mooney, Landon Wells, Parker Muff (44.53 seconds) - 1stBoys' 4x200 meter relay King City's&nbsp;Corbin Taylor, Ty Mooney, Landon Wells, Parker Muff (1:33.94) - 2ndBoys' 4x400 meter relay Stanberry's Colby McQuinn, Ben Messner, Brayden Hahn, Tyler Schwebach (3:39.10) - 3rdBoys' 4x800 meter relay Stanberry's&nbsp;Colby McQuinn, Decker Heyde, Brayden Hahn, Tyler Schwebach (8:52.74) - 1st Mound City's Keaton Zembles, William Heck, Jadon Griffin, Quentin Livengood (8:59.37) - 3rdBoys' high jump Levi Hittle - King City (6 feet-1.5 inches) - 1st Dawson Fast - West Nodaway (6 feet-0.75 inches) - 2ndBoys' long jump Parker Muff - King City (20 feet-9.25 inches) - 1st Landon Wells - King City (20 feet-0.5 inches) - 4thBoys' pole vault Tony Osburn - Mound City (12 feet-5.25 inches) - 1st William Rother - Mound City (10 feet-11.5 inches) - 2ndBoys' shot put Hayden Elifrits - South Holt (51 feet-4.25 inches) - 2nd Austin Colvin - Stanberry (50 feet-7.5 inches) - 3rdBoys' discus Austin Colvin - Stanberry (155 feet-5 inches) - 1st Hayden Elifrits - South Holt (131 feet-2 inches) - 2ndBoys' javelin James Herr - West Nodaway (162 feet-9 inches) - 1stCLASS 2 RESULTSBoys' 100 meter dash Lane Leader - Mid-Buchanan (11.01 seconds) - 1stBoys' 200 meter dash Lane Leader - Mid-Buchanan (22.26 seconds) - 2nd Hayden Cross - Bishop LeBlond (22.40 seconds) - 3rdBoys' 400 meter dash Hayden Cross - Bishop LeBlond (50.35 seconds) - 2nd Lane Leader - Mid-Buchanan (50.63 seconds) - 3rd Carson Stockdale - Plattsburg (50.75 seconds) - 4thBoys' 1600 meter run Aidan Hensley - East Buchanan (4:36.95) - 3rdBoys' 3200 meter run Noah Heckman - North Platte (10:28.51) - 2nd Aidan Hensley - East Buchanan (10:32.09) - 3rdBoys' 4x100 meter relay Lathrop's Lucas Quinn, Mason Adwell, Matt Miller, Dylan Scanlan (44.46 seconds) - 2ndBoys' 4x200 meter relay Plattsburg's Carson Stockdale, Jaden Houser, Samuel Lee, Luke Halsey (1:33.09) - 2ndBoys' 4x400 meter relay Plattsburg's&nbsp;Carson Stockdale, Jaden Houser, Samuel Lee, Luke Halsey &nbsp;(3:34.31) - 3rdBoys' 4x800 meter relay East Buchanan's Parker Conroy, Kyler Paxton, Carson White, Aiden Hensley (8:30.84) - 2ndBoys' long jump Blake Hunter - Mid-Buchanan (21 feet-5.5 inches) - 2nd Dylan Scanlan - Lathrop (20 feet-8.5 inches) - 3rdBoys' triple jump Trevor Klein - East Buchanan (44 feet-2.5 inches) - 1st Blake Hunter - Mid-Buchanan (43 feet-7.25 inches) - 2ndBoys' pole vault Caden Israel - Maysville (12 feet-2.75 inches) - 1stBoys' javelin Jackson Wahlgren - Mid-Buchanan (152 feet-5 inches) - 4thBoys' shot put Liam Servaes - North Platte (44 feet-1.5 inches) - 4thGirls' 100 meter dash Olivia Rogers - North Platte (12.33 seconds) - 1st Jordan Thornton - Mid-Buchanan (12.57 seconds) - 3rdGirls' 200 meter dash Olivia Rogers - North Platte (25.36 seconds) - 1st&nbsp; Jordan Thornton - Mid-Buchanan (26.06 seconds) - 3rd Emma Klein - East Buchanan (26.20 seconds) - 4thGirls' 400 meter dash Lindsey Ramsay - North Platte (58.90 seconds) - 1st Haley Sampson - North Platte (59.15 seconds) - 2ndGirls' 800 meter run Gracie Ramsay - North Platte (2:29.39) - 1stGirls' 3200 meter run Brianna DeBord - North Platte (13:10.72) - 3rdGirls' 300 meter hurdles Mirabella Redman - Maysville (45.52 seconds) - 1stGirls' 4x100 meter relay North Platte's Lonee French, Bella Kitmitto, Olivia Rogers, Haley Sampson (50.82 seconds) - 1st Plattsburg's Lynnlee Novich, Raegan Grass, Aliana Rawlings, Lia Graham (51.18 seconds) - 3rd East Buchanan's Alexis Helsel, Rilyn Sherwood, Kylie Clark, Emma Klein (51.56 seconds) - 4thGirls' 4x200 meter relay North Platte's&nbsp;Haley Sampson, Olivia Rogers, Lindsey Ramsey, Jaylin Burgess (1:44.42) - 1st Plattsburg's&nbsp;Lia Graham, Aliana Rawlings, Raegan Grass, Lynnlee Novich (1:46.86) - 2nd Lathrop's Bailey White, Kaitlyn Morgan, Sierra Brassfield, Avery Patton (1:49.70) - 4thGirls' 4x400 meter relay North Platte's&nbsp; Lindsey Ramsey, Bella Kitmitto, Haley Sampson, Kenedie Summers (4:09.23) - 1st Plattsburg's&nbsp;Lia Graham, Alice Nelson, Raegan Grass, Aliana Rawlings (4:19.11) - 3rd Lathrop's Keylie Beane, Annelise Kirkpatrick, Sierra Brassfield, Kyanne Seeley (4:20.31) - 4thGirls' 4x800 meter relay North Platte's Shelby Lingle, Brianna DeBord, Jessa Cassity, Gracie Ramsey (10:13.94) - 3rdGirls' high jump Annabelle Ball - Gallatin (4 feet-11.5 inches) - 1st Avery Patton - Lathrop (4 feet-10.5 inches) - 3rdGirls' long jump Emma Klein - East Buchanan (17 feet-2.75 inches) - 1stGirls' triple jump Emma Klein - East Buchanan (37 feet-5.25 inches) - 1stGirls' pole vault Mirabella Redman - Maysville (10 feet-1.25 inches) - 2ndGirls' discus&nbsp; Hannah Archdekin - East Buchanan (101 feet) - 2ndGirls' javelin Kiah Huitt - Lathrop (123 feet-5 inches) - 1stGirls' shot put Kinsley Patton - Lathrop (36 feet-0.75 inches) - 1st Ashley Brown - Maysville (35 feet-5.75 inches) - 2ndYou can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Numerous area track athletes qualify for state at sectional track in Weston Saturday

Missouri Western State University
Head Softball Coach Joe Yegge has received a public reprimand from the school’s
conference stemming from his ejection during the MIAA Softball Tournament.

The Mid-America Intercollegiate
Athletics Association issued the public reprimand of Yegge on Friday.

“Coach Yegge’s conduct
surrounding an ejection during the MIAA Softball Tournament did not satisfy the
MIAA’s expectation of sportsmanship and game behavior at our conference
championships," MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy said in a written statement
released by the conference.

Yegge also has received a two-game
suspension to be served during the first doubleheader series of the 2023 MIAA
Softball conference schedule.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University
Head Softball Coach Joe Yegge has received a public reprimand from the school’s
conference stemming from his ejection during the MIAA Softball Tournament.The Mid-America Intercollegiate
Athletics Association issued the public reprimand of Yegge on Friday.“Coach Yegge’s conduct
surrounding an ejection during the MIAA Softball Tournament did not satisfy the
MIAA’s expectation of sportsmanship and game behavior at our conference
championships," MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy said in a written statement
released by the conference.Yegge also has received a two-game
suspension to be served during the first doubleheader series of the 2023 MIAA
Softball conference schedule.

MWSU Softball Coach Joe Yegge reprimanded by MIAA

(AP) - Taylor Hearn allowed only one hit in five scoreless innings, Brad Miller homered and the Texas Rangers defeated the Kansas City Royals 3-1 Thursday to take the series.

The Royals’ first hit literally was off of Hearn. Michael A. Taylor sent a liner up the middle off the pitcher’s leg that continued to the left of second base and into left field with two out in the second inning.

Hearn walked three and struck out five. Joe Barlow pitched a scoreless ninth, retiring Whit Merrifield on a grounder with two runners on base, for his sixth save in six opportunities.

The Royals now head to Denver to open a three-game series with the Rockies. First pitch tonight is set for 7:40. Coverage starts at 7 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph. Zach Greinke will start.

St. Joseph Post(AP) - Taylor Hearn allowed only one hit in five scoreless innings, Brad Miller homered and the Texas Rangers defeated the Kansas City Royals 3-1 Thursday to take the series.The Royals’ first hit literally was off of Hearn. Michael A. Taylor sent a liner up the middle off the pitcher’s leg that continued to the left of second base and into left field with two out in the second inning.Hearn walked three and struck out five. Joe Barlow pitched a scoreless ninth, retiring Whit Merrifield on a grounder with two runners on base, for his sixth save in six opportunities.The Royals now head to Denver to open a three-game series with the Rockies. First pitch tonight is set for 7:40. Coverage starts at 7 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph. Zach Greinke will start.

Royals held to just five hits, Rangers win Thursday to take series

The NFL announced the regular season schedule for the 2022 season on Thursday, and the&nbsp; Kansas City Chiefs are currently slated to play in five primetime contests, including three nationally televised games at Arrowhead Stadium.

This year’s regular season schedule features nine games vs. eight playoff teams from 2021.

The Chiefs will kick off the season against Patrick Mahomes’ former college coach Kliff Kingsbury and the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Sept. 11.

 Kansas City then returns home to face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 15 - the inaugural installment of Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video.

After facing the Colts on the road Sept. 25, the Chiefs have back-to-back primetime contests - the first a rematch of Super Bowl LV when they face the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday Night Football on Oct. 2. KC then returns home to take on the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football on Oct. 10

On Oct. 16, the Chiefs host the Bills at 3:25 - a rematch of last year’s AFC Divisional showdown and overtime thriller.

On Oct. 23, the Chiefs hit the road again, this time to take on the 49ers. It will be the first regular season meeting between the two clubs since Super Bowl LIV. Following the team’s Bye Week, KC will host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday Night Football on Nov. 6, then continue in the AFC South by hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 13.

After a trip to Los Angeles to face the Chargers on Nov. 20, KC comes home to host the defending Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 27.

The Chiefs will kick off the month of December with three-straight road contests - the first an AFC Championship rematch with the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 4, then a Sunday Night Football matchup with the Denver Broncos on Dec. 11, followed by a trip to Houston to face the Texans on Dec. 18. Five of Kansas City’s final eight games this year will be on the road.

Kansas City will be home for Christmas and New Year’s this season with contests against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, Dec. 24, and then the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Jan. 1. The club will close out regular season play in Las Vegas, taking on the Raiders on either Jan. 7 or 8.

In the preseason, KC will be on the road Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. Weeks 2 and 3 of preseason play will be against the Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers at Arrowhead. Dates and times for preseason games will be announced at a later date.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe NFL announced the regular season schedule for the 2022 season on Thursday, and the&nbsp; Kansas City Chiefs are currently slated to play in five primetime contests, including three nationally televised games at Arrowhead Stadium.This year’s regular season schedule features nine games vs. eight playoff teams from 2021.The Chiefs will kick off the season against Patrick Mahomes’ former college coach Kliff Kingsbury and the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Sept. 11. Kansas City then returns home to face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 15 - the inaugural installment of Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video.After facing the Colts on the road Sept. 25, the Chiefs have back-to-back primetime contests - the first a rematch of Super Bowl LV when they face the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday Night Football on Oct. 2. KC then returns home to take on the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football on Oct. 10On Oct. 16, the Chiefs host the Bills at 3:25 - a rematch of last year’s AFC Divisional showdown and overtime thriller.On Oct. 23, the Chiefs hit the road again, this time to take on the 49ers. It will be the first regular season meeting between the two clubs since Super Bowl LIV. Following the team’s Bye Week, KC will host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday Night Football on Nov. 6, then continue in the AFC South by hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 13.After a trip to Los Angeles to face the Chargers on Nov. 20, KC comes home to host the defending Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 27.The Chiefs will kick off the month of December with three-straight road contests - the first an AFC Championship rematch with the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 4, then a Sunday Night Football matchup with the Denver Broncos on Dec. 11, followed by a trip to Houston to face the Texans on Dec. 18. Five of Kansas City’s final eight games this year will be on the road.Kansas City will be home for Christmas and New Year’s this season with contests against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, Dec. 24, and then the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Jan. 1. The club will close out regular season play in Las Vegas, taking on the Raiders on either Jan. 7 or 8.In the preseason, KC will be on the road Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. Weeks 2 and 3 of preseason play will be against the Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers at Arrowhead. Dates and times for preseason games will be announced at a later date.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our official 2022 lineup. <a href="https://t.co/YllgSBvoRD">pic.twitter.com/YllgSBvoRD</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1524905009199996928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Chiefs release full 2022 schedule, rematches will Bills and Bengals included

PLATTSBURG -&nbsp;It's a Wednesday afternoon, and the Plattsburg baseball team is gathered at Perkins Park for an afternoon practice. You'd think this a common occurrence, but in fact, it's rare.

"It's definitely weird," senior pitcher Brock Steggall said. "It's been awhile since we've practiced, but I don't think anyone is complaining. We like playing games and competing."

Plattsburg (24-7) will have played seven games in the first 12 days of May. They played 17 games in April alone.

Senior shortstop Kayden Carter says that's just the way they like it.

"I feel like the more games you play, the better you'll be toward the end of the season," Carter said. "You get to see more competition and different competition. So, yeah. I think it's a good thing. Playing more games."

Plattsburg has won a school-record 24 games this season, including 14 of their last 15. This after winning just three games in 2019. The team now seeks its first district title since 2018, its first Final Four berth since 2009 and its first ever state championship.

Head coach Beau Brown says this turnaround and record season is a large credit to the seven seniors on the roster.

"A lot of the seniors were here playing on the team when they had a three-win season," Brown said. "I think they had the mindset of, 'Hey, we can do this if we really work hard.' They've put some great work ethic in over the years and it's really paying off now."

The turnaround has also been made possible, Brown says, by the strength and size of their schedule. The Tigers have played 32 games in the regular season - that's at least 11 more than every other team in Class 2 District 15.

"Our guys get to see a lot more pitches," Brown pointed out. "We get a lot more situationals in a game. We get the opportunity to throw more pitchers throughout the season. Really, it's benefited us. By far, it's benefited us."

Plattsburg has broken a combined 42 school records this season as a team and among individual players, and more are coming. Steggall, a State Fair Community College baseball signee, holds a decent chunk of those school records himself.

Single-season strikeouts and innings pitched, career runs scored, career walks. The list goes on. After a 5-4 start to the season, and three of those losses coming by a single run, Steggall says the team learned from its mistakes and hasn't looked back.

"I think in the beginning, we were always close in games, but we didn't always necessarily finish a game and keep it going through," he said. "With Coach Brown, we really focused on staying attentive the whole game and playing hard the whole game and just getting the job done."

Defense and pitching, coach Brown says, has been this team's specialty. They're averaging less than two errors per game, and the crisp starting pitching has complemented that well.

"All four of our main starters have thrown extremely well," Brown said. "I think our ERA as a team right now is at 1.97. We've only given up more than three runs a handful of times this season. To boot with that, our defense has been phenomenal for us."

Plattsburg owns eight shutout victories this year and have only allowed five or more runs in seven games. What's more, they've scheduled tough.

The Tigers will have played seven games against Class 4 teams and three against Class 3. They've also gone to battle against some of the best teams in the state in Savannah (25-5), Putnam County (15-2), East Buchanan (14-3) and Lawson (17-4).

With district play coming up next week, junior pitcher and catcher Wyatt Moran, who holds the single-season record in total singles and bases, believes this team can overcome whatever's thrown their way.

"If we're playing our best baseball," he said, "we should be A-okay."

There's a chance Plattsburg will have a lot more innings under their belt compared to any team they face this postseason. Brown is hopeful that more coaches in the area will do what he does and stuff the schedule.

"If there any coaches listening out there, add more games," he said. "I promise you, it's not going to hurt you."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652376257265.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostPLATTSBURG -&nbsp;It's a Wednesday afternoon, and the Plattsburg baseball team is gathered at Perkins Park for an afternoon practice. You'd think this a common occurrence, but in fact, it's rare."It's definitely weird," senior pitcher Brock Steggall said. "It's been awhile since we've practiced, but I don't think anyone is complaining. We like playing games and competing."Plattsburg (24-7) will have played seven games in the first 12 days of May. They played 17 games in April alone.Senior shortstop Kayden Carter says that's just the way they like it."I feel like the more games you play, the better you'll be toward the end of the season," Carter said. "You get to see more competition and different competition. So, yeah. I think it's a good thing. Playing more games."Plattsburg has won a school-record 24 games this season, including 14 of their last 15. This after winning just three games in 2019. The team now seeks its first district title since 2018, its first Final Four berth since 2009 and its first ever state championship.Head coach Beau Brown says this turnaround and record season is a large credit to the seven seniors on the roster."A lot of the seniors were here playing on the team when they had a three-win season," Brown said. "I think they had the mindset of, 'Hey, we can do this if we really work hard.' They've put some great work ethic in over the years and it's really paying off now."The turnaround has also been made possible, Brown says, by the strength and size of their schedule. The Tigers have played 32 games in the regular season - that's at least 11 more than every other team in Class 2 District 15."Our guys get to see a lot more pitches," Brown pointed out. "We get a lot more situationals in a game. We get the opportunity to throw more pitchers throughout the season. Really, it's benefited us. By far, it's benefited us."Plattsburg has broken a combined 42 school records this season as a team and among individual players, and more are coming. Steggall, a State Fair Community College baseball signee, holds a decent chunk of those school records himself.Single-season strikeouts and innings pitched, career runs scored, career walks. The list goes on. After a 5-4 start to the season, and three of those losses coming by a single run, Steggall says the team learned from its mistakes and hasn't looked back."I think in the beginning, we were always close in games, but we didn't always necessarily finish a game and keep it going through," he said. "With Coach Brown, we really focused on staying attentive the whole game and playing hard the whole game and just getting the job done."Defense and pitching, coach Brown says, has been this team's specialty. They're averaging less than two errors per game, and the crisp starting pitching has complemented that well."All four of our main starters have thrown extremely well," Brown said. "I think our ERA as a team right now is at 1.97. We've only given up more than three runs a handful of times this season. To boot with that, our defense has been phenomenal for us."Plattsburg owns eight shutout victories this year and have only allowed five or more runs in seven games. What's more, they've scheduled tough.The Tigers will have played seven games against Class 4 teams and three against Class 3. They've also gone to battle against some of the best teams in the state in Savannah (25-5), Putnam County (15-2), East Buchanan (14-3) and Lawson (17-4).With district play coming up next week, junior pitcher and catcher Wyatt Moran, who holds the single-season record in total singles and bases, believes this team can overcome whatever's thrown their way."If we're playing our best baseball," he said, "we should be A-okay."There's a chance Plattsburg will have a lot more innings under their belt compared to any team they face this postseason. Brown is hopeful that more coaches in the area will do what he does and stuff the schedule."If there any coaches listening out there, add more games," he said. "I promise you, it's not going to hurt you."<figure>
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652379225876.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Plattsburg baseball breaking limits, multiple records in historic 2022 season

Even for some of the best teams and competitors, there are times when that championship seems just out of reach. It takes longer for some than others.

It took Andy Reid until his 21st year as an NFL head coach to win a Super Bowl. It took Dale Earnhardt 20 tries to win a Daytona 500. It took the Chicago Cubs 108 years.

Take the St. Joseph Central Scholar Bowl team. They had been to the state tournament every year from 2014-2021. They finished fourth twice, third last year and second four times before that.

In three of those seven runs, the Indians were one question away from winning it all. But this year, Central finally broke through. In their eighth consecutive year at state, Central defeated Parkway West of St. Louis 430-310 in Columbia to claim the program's first state championship.

Making what once seemed unattainable a reality.

"We've had two runs like the Buffalo Bills in the 90s," Central coach Jeff Carter said, citing the four straight Super Bowl losses by the Bills. "These kids have worked so hard and they are so deserving of winning this state title. It was just exceptionally rewarding to see them come through and get it done this year."

Carter has been the Scholar Bowl coach at Central for 15 years. He's overseen this nearly decade-long run of dominance. He says the formula for success has stayed more-or-less the same through the years.

"Coaching style is we're just going to work and do our best," Carter said. "We've learned the things that work well for our program and our students. We just try to do the best that we can and we will go anywhere and play in any tournament we can find."

Senior captain Frederick Rivas-Giorgi is in his final days of high school. He's going to Yale this fall, where he'll be a pre-med student studying biology. While he certainly looks forward to the future, he's happy his high school career ended with this state championship.

"It's something we've been working on for the better part of a decade," Rivas-Giorgi said. "I've been working on it for pretty much my entire high school career. So, it really is rewarding. I suppose it is a poetic sense of joy that like, 'Oh wow. My senior year, entering a new stage in life, but this high school career can go out with a bang in a sense that after working for four years, we finally did it.'"

The best part is - Central's season is not yet over. The Indians, who are ranked a program-best 46th in the nation right now, are headed to the national tournament in Atlanta over Memorial Day weekend.

It was a virtual event last year, but Central showed out well, placing 51st out of roughly 250 teams.

"Usually with high school sports, once your state tournament is done, that's it," Carter said. "Getting to take it to a next level of national competition and proving ourselves against the best of the best. Like, that's even more exciting for us."

Rivas-Giorgi says having that momentum of a state title going into nationals certainly helps.

"Coming hot off of a state win like this, I mean we've been working our tails off," he said. "We've been doing everything possible to do well at state. Now, I think with all of the preparation we're doing, it's going to be great. Everyone feels really good about this tournament. We go in feeling like, 'Yeah, we're among one of the best teams in Missouri. We can absolutely place against the top teams in other states."

The accolades for Central Scholar Bowl this season are remarkable. A 79-16 record, eight straight conference and district titles, and seven consecutive top four finishes at state.

While this season is nearly over, coach Carter and Rivas-Giorgi both recognize the hard work that went into winning a state title even years prior, and they hope others may come in and help the Indians win even more hardware in the years to come.

"This is something we've been building toward and working for for 10 years," Carter reiterated. "Just so grateful I've had so many great kids who have worked hard. I wish I could share that with all of them, because they're all champions to me. They've all done the work to earn this. I just couldn't be prouder of the time I've had working with and coaching the Central Scholar Bowl team."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652265079343.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostEven for some of the best teams and competitors, there are times when that championship seems just out of reach. It takes longer for some than others.It took Andy Reid until his 21st year as an NFL head coach to win a Super Bowl. It took Dale Earnhardt 20 tries to win a Daytona 500. It took the Chicago Cubs 108 years.Take the St. Joseph Central Scholar Bowl team. They had been to the state tournament every year from 2014-2021. They finished fourth twice, third last year and second four times before that.In three of those seven runs, the Indians were one question away from winning it all. But this year, Central finally broke through. In their eighth consecutive year at state, Central defeated Parkway West of St. Louis 430-310 in Columbia to claim the program's first state championship.Making what once seemed unattainable a reality."We've had two runs like the Buffalo Bills in the 90s," Central coach Jeff Carter said, citing the four straight Super Bowl losses by the Bills. "These kids have worked so hard and they are so deserving of winning this state title. It was just exceptionally rewarding to see them come through and get it done this year."Carter has been the Scholar Bowl coach at Central for 15 years. He's overseen this nearly decade-long run of dominance. He says the formula for success has stayed more-or-less the same through the years."Coaching style is we're just going to work and do our best," Carter said. "We've learned the things that work well for our program and our students. We just try to do the best that we can and we will go anywhere and play in any tournament we can find."Senior captain Frederick Rivas-Giorgi is in his final days of high school. He's going to Yale this fall, where he'll be a pre-med student studying biology. While he certainly looks forward to the future, he's happy his high school career ended with this state championship."It's something we've been working on for the better part of a decade," Rivas-Giorgi said. "I've been working on it for pretty much my entire high school career. So, it really is rewarding. I suppose it is a poetic sense of joy that like, 'Oh wow. My senior year, entering a new stage in life, but this high school career can go out with a bang in a sense that after working for four years, we finally did it.'"The best part is - Central's season is not yet over. The Indians, who are ranked a program-best 46th in the nation right now, are headed to the national tournament in Atlanta over Memorial Day weekend.It was a virtual event last year, but Central showed out well, placing 51st out of roughly 250 teams."Usually with high school sports, once your state tournament is done, that's it," Carter said. "Getting to take it to a next level of national competition and proving ourselves against the best of the best. Like, that's even more exciting for us."Rivas-Giorgi says having that momentum of a state title going into nationals certainly helps."Coming hot off of a state win like this, I mean we've been working our tails off," he said. "We've been doing everything possible to do well at state. Now, I think with all of the preparation we're doing, it's going to be great. Everyone feels really good about this tournament. We go in feeling like, 'Yeah, we're among one of the best teams in Missouri. We can absolutely place against the top teams in other states."The accolades for Central Scholar Bowl this season are remarkable. A 79-16 record, eight straight conference and district titles, and seven consecutive top four finishes at state.While this season is nearly over, coach Carter and Rivas-Giorgi both recognize the hard work that went into winning a state title even years prior, and they hope others may come in and help the Indians win even more hardware in the years to come."This is something we've been building toward and working for for 10 years," Carter reiterated. "Just so grateful I've had so many great kids who have worked hard. I wish I could share that with all of them, because they're all champions to me. They've all done the work to earn this. I just couldn't be prouder of the time I've had working with and coaching the Central Scholar Bowl team."<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/St--Joseph-Central-Scholar-Bowl-breaks-through-at-state--heads-for-nationals-e1ick1t" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652267609439.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Central's scholar bowl team members, along with coach Jeff Carter, are&nbsp;Frederick Rivas-Giorgi, Patrick Rivas-Giorgi, Adam Klassen, Caden Turner, Matthew Byrd and Maverick Nabors. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Central's scholar bowl team members, along with coach Jeff Carter, are&nbsp;Frederick Rivas-Giorgi, Patrick Rivas-Giorgi, Adam Klassen, Caden Turner, Matthew Byrd and Maverick Nabors. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652270887157.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph Central Scholar Bowl claims first state title; team looks toward nationals

SAVANNAH - The Savannah boys' tennis team won a pair of doubles matches and won three out of four singles matches to beat Maryville 5-2 for a Class 1 District 16 title at the Savannah tennis courts on a warm Tuesday afternoon.

The district crown is the third straight for Savannah, which is now 30-2 in head-to-head team competitions since the beginning of last season.

All three of those district titles came against Maryville, but coach Wakefield Hare knew this year would be a big challenge.

"I knew Maryville had enough to compete and get to five (victories)," Hare said. "With the heat and our boys' mindset, when you beat a good team a couple of times, it's hard to focus. So, I'm proud of them for getting focused and I'm very thankful for this team and the champions that they are."

Maryville (10-3), who had lost to Savannah twice before this season alone, battled hard Tuesday, as the doubles team of Jaxon Staples and Kason Teale beat individual state qualifiers Matt Collier and Evan Heftye 9-8 in a tightly contested match.

Collier and Heftye now look forward to the opportunity of competing in doubles at the individual sectional tournament this Friday in Odessa.

Collier made state in doubles with his brother Drew last year, while Heftye went with Connor Peek.

"We know what we need to do, me and Evan (Heftye)," Collier said. "So, it's just the same as always. Just go out there and play."

Maryville's other win Tuesday came in No. 5 singles, where George Groumoutis beat Noah Gould 2-6, 6-2 and 10-4.

Otherwise, Savannah controlled the pace as sophomore Cole Horton scored an 8-2 win in doubles with his partner Connor Herbert over Maryville's Carson Kempf and Colby Bowles, 8-2.

Horton went on to win his singles match against Kempf, 6-2 and 6-4. He too will compete in individual sectionals this Friday after finishing fourth in the state singles tournament in Springfield last year as a freshman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652227748020.jpeg" alt="Savannah beat Maryville 5-2 for the Class 1 District 16 team district title at Savannah High School Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Savannah beat Maryville 5-2 for the Class 1 District 16 team district title at Savannah High School Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSAVANNAH - The Savannah boys' tennis team won a pair of doubles matches and won three out of four singles matches to beat Maryville 5-2 for a Class 1 District 16 title at the Savannah tennis courts on a warm Tuesday afternoon.The district crown is the third straight for Savannah, which is now 30-2 in head-to-head team competitions since the beginning of last season.All three of those district titles came against Maryville, but coach Wakefield Hare knew this year would be a big challenge."I knew Maryville had enough to compete and get to five (victories)," Hare said. "With the heat and our boys' mindset, when you beat a good team a couple of times, it's hard to focus. So, I'm proud of them for getting focused and I'm very thankful for this team and the champions that they are."Maryville (10-3), who had lost to Savannah twice before this season alone, battled hard Tuesday, as the doubles team of Jaxon Staples and Kason Teale beat individual state qualifiers Matt Collier and Evan Heftye 9-8 in a tightly contested match.Collier and Heftye now look forward to the opportunity of competing in doubles at the individual sectional tournament this Friday in Odessa.Collier made state in doubles with his brother Drew last year, while Heftye went with Connor Peek."We know what we need to do, me and Evan (Heftye)," Collier said. "So, it's just the same as always. Just go out there and play."Maryville's other win Tuesday came in No. 5 singles, where George Groumoutis beat Noah Gould 2-6, 6-2 and 10-4.Otherwise, Savannah controlled the pace as sophomore Cole Horton scored an 8-2 win in doubles with his partner Connor Herbert over Maryville's Carson Kempf and Colby Bowles, 8-2.Horton went on to win his singles match against Kempf, 6-2 and 6-4. He too will compete in individual sectionals this Friday after finishing fourth in the state singles tournament in Springfield last year as a freshman.Horton also beat Kempf for an individual district title this past Friday."I thought we did pretty well in this heat," Horton said of his team's efforts Tuesday. "We all played really well...it was just a great day for tennis."Herbert also won in singles Tuesday, defeating Bowles 6-2, 6-4. While Gould lost in singles, he won in doubles with Reid Courtney, as they beat Maryville's James DeStefino and George Groumoutis 8-2.Savannah got the needed fifth victory to clinch when Courtney swept Landon Baker 6-0, 6-0."I think it's great we won this again this year," said Heftye, a junior. "But, it's going to be a battle to get through sectionals and get to state."Savannah now moves onto team sectionals on Monday at a time and location to be determined. After getting bounced in team quarterfinals last year by eventual state champion Barstow, the Savages are poised to go even further this year."I love watching these guys play," coach Hare said. "The fact that the future is unclear and there's some expectations, but you're also like, 'Alright. That's a lot of fun.' It makes my tummy turn, but it's a lot of fun."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652231172230.jpeg" alt="Cole Horton." />
 <figcaption>Cole Horton.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652231195268.jpeg" alt="Connor Herbert." />
 <figcaption>Connor Herbert.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652231329214.jpeg" alt="Noah Gould." />
 <figcaption>Noah Gould.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652231353830.jpeg" alt="Matt Collier." />
 <figcaption>Matt Collier.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652231380264.jpeg" alt="Evan Heftye." />
 <figcaption>Evan Heftye.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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